Your MD Car Accident Attorneys

Our MD car accident lawyer understands that being injured in a car accident can be a life-altering event. When the incident was caused by the actions of another party, a skilled lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we have successfully represented many Maryland clients and their families in obtaining the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of their case. Our legal team has been advocating for injured victims for nearly 25 years and we understand that many accident cases can be complex to navigate.

car accident lawyer MD

Table of Contents

Dealing with Insurance Companies

When you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money; therefore, their goal is to pay the least amount of damages possible. Even your insurance may give you a hard time if you file a claim under your own policy, such as in the case of an uninsured/underinsured driver accident.

When you are dealing with the other party’s insurance company, it often becomes more difficult for them to quickly and fairly process your claim than when you are dealing with your own.

Our team knows how manipulative and underhanded insurance adjusters can be. Some insurance adjusters are trained to steer conversations in such a way as to get victims to admit fault – or at least partial fault – to excuse the insurance provider from paying up. Even an innocent statement like, “I’m sorry the accident happened,” might be used against you to show you were at least partly liable for the accident.

Other tactics some insurance companies use are to drag out processing the claim or offer an unfair settlement amount. These companies know that many people who are dealing with a serious injury are probably unable to work and might not be getting any income and the type of financial stress this causes. The longer the company takes to settle, the more in debt a victim may become — and the more likely they will be to take whatever settlement amount the insurance company offers to just pay their bills.

Conversely, the insurance company will try to get the victim to settle the case quickly before the full extent of the injuries and the final prognosis have been medically determined. When you retain the services of our skilled MD car accident lawyer, you can be assured that those kinds of tactics won’t work, and your best interests will be protected. Your lawyer will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered.

The Insurance Claim Process 

If the other party had insurance, then they likely called their insurance company when the accident occurred. Their insurance company assigned a claims adjuster to the case, who assessed the damage that resulted from the accident. They then recommend whether the company should pay you damages, and if so, how much. After this process,  the company will offer you a settlement, which may not be enough to pay for the costs you incurred and the support you will need going forward. If this is the case, you should consider speaking with a lawyer to see if you should argue for a higher amount. 

You might also find yourself in a situation where the party at fault doesn’t have insurance. In this case, you can either file a claim with your insurance company or choose to take the responsible party to court. It can be tricky deciding which course of action is best. Scheduling a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in MD can help you understand which option is better for your unique situation.

Whiplash Injuries in Car Accidents

Our lawyer will tell you that most whiplash injuries are sustained from rear-end collisions. Motor vehicle accident victims exploiting neck pain to dig into the pockets of insurance providers is a common and unfortunate myth. To make matters worse, it is not uncommon for insurance providers to attempt to downplay how serious a whiplash injury is to avoid paying damages.

Whiplash can Happen to Anyone

You don’t have to be involved in a high-speed collision to sustain serious and painful whiplash injuries. In fact, you could emerge with painful injuries from a vehicular collision that caused little or no damage to the vehicle itself.

Statistically, whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by low-speed auto accidents. This is largely because it is a term used to describe a range of neck injuries caused by a sudden distortion of a person’s neck. Whiplash is technically an injury caused when a person’s neck is suddenly “whipped” forward and then backward (or vice versa).

Symptoms That May Indicate a Whiplash Injury

Neck pain and spasms tend to be the most common symptoms of a whiplash injury. A car accident lawyer in MD may also tell you there are several other symptoms linked to whiplash injuries including frequent and lingering headaches, back pain, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and more.

A person who experiences any of these symptoms after an auto accident may need to seek medical attention, and might also want to consider speaking to a Maryland car accident lawyer. If there are lingering symptoms of a whiplash injury from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

The Severity of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries can range anywhere from a minor injury to a catastrophic injury. While a minor injury may not cause too much damage to a person’s lifestyle, a moderate or major injury could have long-term implications. 

You may not know whether your whiplash injury is minor or major at the time the accident occurs. Often, the pain associated with a whiplash injury does not fully present itself at the time of the accident. In fact, it could take several days for symptoms to appear fully.

Seeking Compensation for a Whiplash Injury

After you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s understandable that one of the first things you want to know is how much compensation you’re entitled to receive. But the reality is that every case is unique, with many variables in play. It requires a consultation with a car accident lawyer who can assess and offer an accurate prediction of the amount that you should be entitled to receive.

The first thing your lawyer needs to understand is the strength of your liability claim. For liability to exist, someone must be “at fault” through negligence or wrongdoing. Your lawyer knows that in the instance of a vehicular accident, negligence may stem from a variety of factors. Texting and driving is a widespread problem, but in the case of a rear-end accident (the most common cause of whiplash), the driver may be deemed negligent due to a lack of paying sufficient attention and not keeping a safe distance between vehicles. Many factors can be at play, however.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A common tendency is for drivers to try to get on with their day as quickly as possible after a car crash. This is a mistake because even minor accidents can have far-reaching effects on your health, your finances, and your family. What do you need to do after a car accident? When should you contact a car accident lawyer? Following these important steps can be crucial for your case and your well-being.

  • Get Out of Danger

Your priority should be to get yourself and your family or passengers out of danger. If possible, pull your car over to the side of the road, and off-street, or a parking lot. That way, you don’t have to worry about oncoming traffic causing further injuries.

What if your car is damaged in the middle of the road with no way to move it? In that case, put the car’s hazard lights on and carefully get everyone out of the vehicle. Move away from the vehicle while trying to be as visible to other cars as possible, such as by waving your arms. Don’t stop until you reach a safe place away from the crash, such as a field or sidewalk.

  • Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries

Don’t assume that a “minor” accident didn’t hurt anyone. We have seen countless times how unknown injuries appear months or even years after an accident.

Whiplash and other injuries can be hard to remember when you’re full of adrenaline but still dangerous. Calm down and check your body for any cuts or painful spots. Check your passengers. If anyone is injured even a little, call 911 right away.

  • Report the Accident

It’s a good idea to report any collision involving injuries. That way, you can get a copy of the police report. This document helps serve as evidence down the road if you decide to file a claim against the other driver with the help of your car accident lawyer.

  • Gather Information From the Other Driver

This is a vital step to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your car accident lawyer in MD needs this information to locate witnesses and negotiate with insurers. At the very least, get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, address, phone number, and insurance policy information.

  • Document the Scene as Safely as Possible

As much as possible, gather evidence of the accident. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and pictures of the other vehicle. Write down the make, model, and color of the other vehicle.

  • Contact a Car Accident Lawyer and Your Insurance Company

We encourage you to contact us as soon as is safely possible following a crash. That way, you have the help of a lawyer who looks out for your interests. You also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident and get an adjuster to look at the damage to your vehicle.

Maryland Car Accident Infographic

 

After A Car Accident Infographic

Maryland Car Accident Statistics

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are more than 3 million people in the U.S. who suffer whiplash injuries each year. About half of those victims are left dealing with chronic pain from their injuries and approximately 300,000 are left disabled because the pain of their whiplash injury is so debilitating. Additionally, according to the CDC, there are at least 1.7 million TBIs every year, either as an isolated injury or in addition to other injuries.

Maryland Car Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

As our trusted team  can explain to you, you must follow certain steps if you are ever in an accident and want to prepare a strong claim. First, check if anyone is injured and call emergency services if needed. Then, exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. Document the accident scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. It’s wise to consult with a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help maximize your potential compensation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?

The statute of limitation is the time limit during which a claimant can submit an accident claim, and the limit varies according to each jurisdiction, as a qualified and highly experienced car accident lawyer can explain to you. Generally, it can range from one to six years, depending on the state or country. However, it’s important not to delay taking legal action. Consulting with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is crucial, as they can assess the specific time frame applicable to your case and ensure all necessary paperwork and evidence are collected within the required deadline.

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

It is difficult enough to have to deal with a car accident, but when the driver who is at fault does not have insurance, it can make your ordeal much worse. In such situations, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Firstly, check if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your own insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect you in such scenarios. Your car accident lawyer can help navigate this process, explore other potential sources of compensation, and guide you on the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.

How is fault determined in a car accident?

Determining fault in a car accident involves a thorough investigation that considers various factors. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, and video footage can help establish fault. It is also important to consider expert analysis, traffic laws, and other factors when investigating a car accident. Comparative negligence laws in some jurisdictions allow for assigning fault proportionately between parties based on their degree of responsibility. It’s important to work closely with a car accident lawyer who can gather and analyze the evidence, consult experts if necessary, and build a strong case to prove liability and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

How much compensation can I receive for my car accident injuries?

The amount of compensation you may receive for car accident injuries depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact on your quality of life. There is no fixed formula, as every case is unique. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate the specific details of your case, assess the damages you’ve suffered, and calculate a fair value for your claim.

Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today

In the crucial journey toward justice and compensation, The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., emerges as a stalwart ally. With an arsenal of legal expertise, experience, and a genuine commitment to advocating for clients, the firm positions itself as a reliable, efficient, and compassionate partner that not only comprehends the intricacies of Maryland’s car accident laws but also understands the emotional and physical tumult experienced by those involved in vehicular incidents. When you are looking for a firm with over 75 years of combined experience, contact us to speak with our car accident lawyer in MD.

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“Mr. Brynn did a good job but I was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldn’t have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
Sharon Douglas
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